In 2012

Shedding the part of me that "reacts" to the world.

The Heated Glow

I remember hearing arguing. It was night-time. I was five. We tip-toed through the dark... me wearing my nightgown, and my little brother wearing his little toddler pj's with the feet. We carefully and oh so quietly sat at the top of the stairs to the basement.

The arguing got louder. The warm glow from the basement lights became heated with anger and blame. I whispered to my brother to stay still. I slowly crept, trying not to trip on my nightgown, to get a peek. I needed to see it. I could feel the hate, but I needed to witness it. Just two steps down and I could see them. A loud accusation swiftly followed by a forceful slap to the face!

It happened at that moment. That single moment forever changed me. I quickly grabbed my brother and led him back through the darkened house to his bed.

...
Who hit who? I don't know. It doesn't matter. All I knew was that my safe world was destroyed before my eyes. I could feel it to the core.

Within a year my parents divorced. The ugliness, the hatred, fear and pain intensified for both of them. The uncertainty, sadness, fear and confusion grew for my brother and I.

the Student. the Teacher. the Observer.

Beyond being a teen, or a guy, or a girl. A son or daughter. A friend. A co-worker. We have 3 main roles in which we play throughout our lives. These roles may change from year to year, or even moment by moment depending on our situation. At any given moment you can choose which of these roles you wish to step into.

Do you choose to be the Student? Where you take in the lessons, the information and knowledge. Or do you wish to be the Teacher? Choosing to share, guide and enlighten? Or do you choose to be the Observer? To allow the moment to unfold in front of you without the need to step in and take from it or give to it. Each one is as important as the other and each one deserves to be experienced without judgment. If you are the Teacher, is it for you to judge the Student who is choosing to learn and discover? And if you are the Student is it for you to judge the Observer for just “standing by”? And if you are the Observer, is it for you to judge what the Teacher is sharing?

Judgment is different than discernment. To judge is to run the situation through the filter of your ego. It’s your opinion. That's all. Does your opinion always matter? To discern is to ask. To ask, “Does this serve my highest wellbeing, and that of others, right now?” If it doesn't, then let it go. If it does, then consider your next action.

So let’s say you are the Student. Maybe at the time the Teacher is your little brother. Wait! Are you judging that? “How can my little brother teach me?!” Perhaps he is teaching you patience. Or maybe you just saw him stand-up for a friend. At that moment, you get to decide, or discern, if what was just taught is something you want to accept and learn from.

Now go on and see what it’s like to be the Teacher. Or challenge yourself to be the silent Observer in a situation you would have intervened in the past. All these roles come with great responsibility. Have fun with it and discover how your energy shifts when you are the compassionate Teacher or keen Observer.

The Hummingbirds are Coming...

Check out this cool New Article by José Stevens!

I'll never look at Hummingbirds the same. [Tina]

"Be like a Hummingbird in its care and cultivation of flowers and the enjoyment of the sweet life. Establish good boundaries but do not wound in your conflicts. And imagine that your heart is a flower being visited by many Hummingbirds, filling it with the nectar of love for life. And above all, remember that you do not have to be large to be extremely powerful."  José Stevens

Which Element are You?

Make your selection to the right  >>>>>


METAL is…
Independent
Focused
Intense
Strong
Dependable


WATER is…
A Good communicator
Sensitive
Intuitive
Philosophical 
Easy-going


WOOD is…
Creative
Expansive 
Optimistic
Imaginative
Compassionate


FIRE is…
Passionate
A Leader
Sure of themselves
Playful
Intelligent


EARTH is…
Supportive
Grounded 
Values friendship
Reliable
Nurturing